Downey Statement on Government Shutdown and Threat to SNAP Food Assistance Program

(TRENTON) – Urging the President and Congress to work together to end the partial government shutdown that has left an estimated 800,000 federal workers without pay and has threatened funding for critical services like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Assemblywoman Joann Downey released the following statement:

“It’s been over a month since a stalemate in Washington led to the start of a partial government shutdown we’re facing today. That makes it the longest shutdown in history, and one that can’t end soon enough,” said Downey (D-Monmouth). “Too many Americans, including the roughly 5,000 federal workers in New Jersey and their families, are suffering as result of the shutdown. Whether they are missing multiple paychecks or struggling to afford basic necessities without assistance from federal programs like SNAP, this shutdown benefits no one.

            “For these reasons and more, I’d like to thank my colleagues on the Assembly Human Services Committee for approving a measure I’ve sponsored (AR-218) condemning this nonsensical shutdown and urging Congress and the President to immediately reopen the government. Doing so would help provide funding for SNAP and other services that help so many Americans survive.

            “I look forward to seeing this measure move forward, and make clear the New Jersey Legislature does not support disrupting the lives of everyday people to accomplish political goals in Washington.”